Posts (page 2)
By Sgt. M. Trent Lowry, RCT-5
CAMP RIPPER, Iraq – Marines and sailors deployed with Regimental Combat Team 5 are among the service members benefiting from the altruism of generous individuals and organizations this holiday season.
Seasonal snacks, warm socks and games are among the various items sent to Marines and sailors from Americans showing their appreciation for their armed forces.
“To me, every Marine and sailor is like my own son or daughter,” said Patti Lewis, president of Mom 4 R Marines, a group that has displayed great generosity toward the Marines and sailors of RCT-5. “I know they are the best trained military our nation has, and I know they are young adults and brave warriors.”
Almost 1,000 stockings from Mom 4 R Marines were received in time for distribution to the troops before Christmas. Another 1,000 stockings came from the Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines and were distributed to Marines and sailors at combat outposts and forward operating bases throughout western al-Anbar province.
In addition, holiday care packages from groups like the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group have come through with consistency since Thanksgiving.
“I think it shows how high we are in (people’s) priorities,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Dunn, 20, a mail clerk with RCT-5 from Carthage, Texas. “They’re still managing to send these packages out at a constant rate.”
After the incoming care packages and holiday gifts are received by the regimental mail room, most of the boxes are taken to the chapel annex, where the religious-services team takes over. They sort the items within the care packages to make it easier for Marines and sailors to find the essential items they need.
“The chaplain corps handles the health and welfare aspect for Marines and sailors,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Gerad Hardin, 27, a religious programs specialist with RCT-5 from Texarkana, Ark. “The chaplains want the warriors here to feel special and loved, and let them know people from home care about them.”
The Marines and sailors routinely marvel at the thought and care that go into the care packages. The Cup of Joe building on Camp Ripper – one of many throughout the province where RCT-5 personnel can get a warm beverage like hot chocolate or tea any time of day – hold a large box full of home-baked cookies with hand-written and decorated messages of thanks and well wishes from people in the States.
“People spend a lot of time and effort on the care packages,” Dunn said. “These care packages and stockings are not cheap to send out here. Marines open them up, and there are really nice things in them.
“It’s nice that they send them out here to Marines and sailors they don’t know, and they don’t ask anything in return,” Dunn added.
One question some service members ask is, “Why?” What makes the American people give to the troops that are deployed?
“All I hope for is it brings them a smile and also reassures them that our Nation will never forget them,” said Lewis, whose own son, Brian, was a Marine who served with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. “We stand behind them and what they do daily on behalf of our country. They deserve the best!”
“I think it is people saying to us that ‘no matter what you’re doing, you’re loved, you’re appreciated, we do care, you’re protecting us and this is a small token, but please accept it for what it is,’” said Hardin. “The American people want to show their good faith to us.”
Far away from homes and families this holiday season, Marines and sailors of RCT-5 are feeling the love from America, and say thank you right back.
By Capt. Paul Greenberg, RCT-5
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — Reserve Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here worked with local Iraqi leadership to hold the first-ever regional security meeting for the Rutbah district Dec. 20.
The venue for the event was a large Quonset hut at “H3,” an Iraqi Army outpost in western al-Anbar Province.
“It’s an opportunity for Iraqi Security Forces, Iraqi Police, elected officials and all those elements entrusted with regional security to come together with Coalition forces for mutual cooperation and to discuss security issues,” said Maj. Craig Abele, 37, the battalion’s operations officer.
More than 50 key leaders from throughout the district attended, representing all elements of the local Iraqi security network and various Marine units based throughout the area. An array of issues was discussed, but the primary focus was on security preparation for the upcoming elections and coordinating efforts against the remaining vestiges of the insurgency.
Lt. Col. Geoff Rollins, the battalion’s commander, opened the meeting with a clear message to his Iraqi allies that the future of the country is now in their hands.
“Starting in 2009, the ISF, who are more than capable of taking the lead, will in fact be in the lead on all operations,” said Rollins. “In the short time that I and my task force have been here, we have seen a significant increase in the security posture, along with gains in economics and governance. You have all worked very hard to get to where you are now, and this meeting is an important step in continuing the progress. You have elections coming in January. This will be a critical time for all Iraqis. Ensuring the safety and security of the people will go a long way to ensuring the longevity of the democratic process.”
Rollins was seated at the head table with other key local Iraqi leaders, such as Lt. Col Abdul Razak, the Rutbah district chief of police.
Razak, 40, spent 17 years as an officer in the Iraqi Army and has been with the police since 2006. His police officers are charged with keeping order in the district’s cities.
While the police are keeping order in the cities, the Iraqi Army will ensure the security of the open desert surrounding the population centers.
“It is our job to support the police and coordinate with Coalition forces,” said Col. Abbas Aiyed Raddad, commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, 29th Iraqi Army Brigade. “The insurgency may try to prevent the elections, but the people must hear the candidates’ voices,” said Raddad through interpretation.
A 42-year-old native of Nassiriya, Raddad has spent more than half his life in the Iraqi Army and stated that the troops he leads now are better trained, equipped and more professional than ever before.
Based at H3, Raddad served as host for the event. He ensured that all attendees were treated to mansef, a dish of baked lamb, rice, fresh vegetables, flat bread and fruit.
Standing next to their Iraqi counterparts, the Marines dined in traditional Iraqi fashion, scooping up handfuls of food from the communal plates.
The meeting finished shortly after lunch, and the Coalition forces and ISF departed in convoys for various locations throughout the district.
“We met our goal today of planning to achieve a safe environment for the elections,” said Raddad. “The progress and development of Iraq and our economy depends on this.”
By Lance Cpl. Paul Torres, RCT-5
AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq – Service members here had the opportunity to laugh and rock out to comedians Lewis Black, Kathleen Madigan, John Bowman and musicians Tichina Arnold, Zac Brown, Kellie Pickler and Kid Rock Dec. 19.
This is the seventh stop on a holiday tour the group has been performing with the United Service Organization.
Among the service members in the audience were Marines and sailors with Regimental Combat Team 5 who are nearing the end of their yearlong deployment to Iraq.
“I have been a fan of (Kid Rock) for a while, and I think it is cool of him to come out here and do shows like this,” said Cpl. Robert S. Davis, 20, from Fairmont, W. Va., who is a tactical networking specialist with Regimental Combat Team 5. “I am actually learning some of his songs on guitar, so I am pretty stoked to get to see him live. Plus, it is a nice way to end a deployment.”
This is the fourth consecutive holiday season Kid Rock has toured with the USO to bring a little cheer to troops who are deployed.
“I can think of a lot of places I would love to be, but I come over here because it is the right thing to do, and the only cameras I care to be in front of are the ones I am in front of right now, yours,” said Kid Rock before launching into one of his hit singles, “All Summer Long.”
“First of all, I love to play and I love to sing, and I will come back to play for you as long as you’re here,” said Kid Rock to the crowd of service members.
Country musician Kellie Pickler sang her hit single “Red High Heels” and even interrupted her rendition of “9 to 5” to invite one lucky Marine to the front of the stage. The Marine had been holding a sign that said, “All I want for Christmas is a kiss from Kellie Pickler.” The Marine got his wish.
“My grandfather was a Marine and he was the one who raised me, so he was excited when he heard I was coming out here,” said Pickler.
Pickler decided to tour with the USO after finding out about it from a fellow country music star.
“I heard about Toby Keith doing a USO tour, so I talked to my manager and did what I could to make it out here,” said Pickler.
For over an hour, the musicians and comedians entertained the service members and brought laughter and cheer to the Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen who are spending this holiday away from loved ones. The group of entertainers will spend the rest of the holiday season performing for more service members overseas.
“I’d like to thank the USO for bringing us here,” said Black. “Most of all, we would like to find all the words we could possibly tell you about how much we care about you. Thank you for who you are and what you do.”
By Cpl. Sean P. Cummins, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq – Baseball, America’s pastime, has helped Marines and sailors stay connected to home for years, no matter where they are in the world.
The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 have brought a touch of home to the Marines near the Syrian border here with a new batting cage.
“(One of the Marines) wanted a batting cage and (Petty Officer 1st Class Paul) Campagna, being a very aggressive and enthusiastic petty officer, fulfilled his wish,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Barrassco, a builder with NMCB 27 stationed here. “Campagna designed it and we started building it. Some people came out to help on their down time.”
The batting cage gives the Marines and sailors operating within sight of the Syrian border a way to relax when not operating in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Morale has gone up,” said Barrassco, 40, who is from Peabody, Mass. “It’s for whoever wants to swing a bat and play ball. It is a gift to the Marines who are (working) every day. I’ve seen guys on convoys getting out of their trucks and running to the batting cage to play.”
Plans for the cage started long before the building and many of the Marines and sailors couldn’t believe it was actually going to get built, including the Seabees themselves.
“I can’t believe I’m building a batting cage in Iraq,” was heard frequently during the building of the cage, according to several Seabees and Marines.
“Why did we build it? Because we love baseball, and there’s no batting cage here,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Campagna, 45, a builder with NMCB 27 from Salem, Mass. “We talked about it for about a month, but I don’t think any of the higher-ups really believed that we were going to do it. Then they saw it going up and they were pretty shocked.”
While Campagna admitted to building some “pretty wild stuff” in his 25 years of building, including a pool table and golf tee in Afghanistan, this is the first batting cage he’s ever made.
“I enjoy using the batting cage; it’s a good way to get a little stress out when you get off post and off a hard work day,” said Cpl. Cory J. Stuard, 29, a team leader with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, from Cedar Hill, Tenn. “In my younger days, I played a lot of little league back in Tennessee. On my free time, I try and get in there and take some swings.”
Despite having to scrape together scraps of material from other projects to put the cage together, the satisfaction of another finished project and the memories the sport brings back have made all the work worth it for the Seabees.
“We’re in the middle of the holidays, and I think on every deployment, regardless of where you are in the world, when you’re away from your family you still miss that little piece of home. It’s a beautiful feeling to hear that bat crack and that ball hit the wood and the fence and these guys cheering and finding that little peace of mind,” said Barrassco. “We feel as Seabees that we’ll build anything, we’ll do anything and we don’t mind doing it. We do not mind building for the Marines and supporting the Marines. We’re family.”
By Cpl. Shawn Coolman, RCT-5
Force Mech, Regimental Combat team 5 are conducting various operations here to improve the security and to assist the Iraqi people where needed.
Task Force Mech consists of Marines and sailors with Company A, 2nd Tank Battalion, in conjunction with elements of Company B, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn., and 1st Combat Engineer Bn.
“(Task Force Mech’s) main concern is preventing the freedom of movement of insurgents. We’re looking for weapon caches and stopping insurgent movements (from the borders),” said 1st Lt. Chris M. Hansen, 28, platoon commander, 1st platoon, 2nd Tank Bn. “By us being out there, it makes the insurgents re-route or completely stop their operations.
“We’re also providing humanitarian aid when possible. We have helped numerous Bedouin villagers by giving them food, water and medical attention,” said Hansen, who is from Toms River, N.J. “We are showing the people that we are willing to give them aid and anything that can improve their lives.”
Marines and sailors with Company B, 1st LAR Bn., offer a unique skill set that makes them a valuable asset while conducting the joint operations.
“With their infantry assets, (1st) LAR Battalion has been very important to tanks because they give us an asset that we can’t provide our self,” said Hansen. “(The infantry Marines) provide tanks with the ability to search buildings and different areas with those who have been trained to do it while we provide the security.”
“We patrol as dismount scouts for Company A and whatever types of things we come across; we search and clear to make everything in the surrounding areas safe,” said Gunnery Sgt. Tony N. Housell, 31, platoon sergeant, 1st LAR Bn., from St. Joseph, Mo.
Also assisting Task Force Mech in operations are two engineers with 1st CEB.
“We’re doing engineering operations consisting of cache sweeps, ordnance removal and searching for and identifying improvised explosive devices,” said Cpl. Andrew R. Semp, 24, a combat engineer with 1st CEB from Altamont, N.Y. “Our presence here helps with the mobility of tanks and keeps their movement as fluid as possible so they can continue operations in the area.”
Although Task Force Mech is conducting operations in the area, the Iraqi Security Forces are still in control of the province.
“We’re still showing a presence to the Iraqi people, but also letting the Iraqis know that their country is under control and the road to the future is being paved,” said Cpl. Kyle A. Nelson, 20, team leader, 1st LAR Bn., who is from Phoenix.
“We’re trying to give these people the support they need so they can call this their country and be proud of it,” said Hansen.
By Cpl. Sean P. Cummins, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST RAWAH, Iraq – Two Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobras moved to engage an unknown number of insurgents firing on Marines from a one-story building in open desert near here.
The targets the helicopters engaged were actually on a multi-purpose range here during a training exercise designed to test-fire the communication between Marines on the ground and pilots in the air.
The Marine helicopters made numerous passes over the targets to provide the close-air support that is vital to Marines on the ground. The training exercise gave the forward air controller for Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 a chance to work with pilots and refine his and the pilots’ skills on a live range.
“The purpose of the training is to increase the proficiency of our pilots so we can provide more effective close-air support. A number of considerations are involved in this type of training,” said Capt. Paul R. Barron, 30, a UH-1N Huey pilot training officer with HMLA-269 from Myrtle Point, Ore. “We also are gaining proficiency at employing ordnance. We vary each attack in order to gain proficiency at maneuvering our aircraft in different situations. Additionally, it is very beneficial for the (forward air) controllers to become familiar with the pilots who support them.”
The training provided a rare opportunity for the Marines to hone their skills in the air and on the ground while deployed.
“This training is really a perishable skill if you don’t do it often,” said Capt. Dave “Penguin” Merrit, 30, an air officer with Headquarters and Support Company, 3rd Bn, 7th Marines, from Wilbraham, Mass. It’s good training for the FACs and also for the air crew. When you don’t shoot often, you start losing that perishable skill or the stick-and-rudder skills needed to make sure you have the weapons on target on time.”
The ability for FACs and pilots to talk rests solely on the air radio operators, whose mission is to ensure there is constant communication between the air and ground elements.
“My job is to make sure (the forward air controller) is talking to the pilots. I have to perform operation checks on our radios to make sure everything works and perform preventative maintenance; otherwise things could go south quick. If (the forward air controller) can’t tell (the pilots) they’re clear, then they don’t know to shoot,” said Cpl. Justin T. McNutt, 20, a radio operator with H&S Co.
Ultimately, the goal of the exercise was to make sure the Marines on the ground have another useful tool to help them in the fight.
“This is the first time (3rd Bn., 7th Marines) has done this training in Iraq, but I’m looking to recreate this as often as possible until we leave COP Rawah,” Merrit said. “This will definitely help the squadron out too, and the squadron has already asked for more of this kind of training.”
By Cpl. Shawn Coolman, RCT-5
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq- Amidst the array of Coalition force operations in the area, medical attention is still offered to the Iraqi populace by Task Force Mech, Regimental Combat Team 5.
Task Force Mech is comprised of Marines and sailors with Company A, 2nd Tank Battalion in conjunction with elements of Company B, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn., and 1st Combat Engineer Bn., which are both assisting tanks with various missions in al-Anbar province.
Conducting security patrols and interacting with the local Iraqi civilians have afforded the service members an opportunity to distribute food, water and medical supplies. The Marines and sailors with Task Force Mech have also provided medical care to the local Iraqis.
During one mission, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jorge E. Burgos, the senior line corpsman with Company A, noticed a young Iraqi girl in pain while seeing other Iraqi patients.
“We were patrolling in our area of operations (near Rutbah, Iraq,) and we spotted a caravan of trucks which turned out to be all sheep herders,” said Burgos, 45, who is from Cali, Columbia. “We then stopped the caravan and began asking them questions.
“After we completed our questioning, we began asking them if they needed any medical care.
“They said they had several people sick, and after I treated nine Iraqis, one in particular caught my attention,” said Burgos, who is on his fifth deployment to Iraq. “There was a little 6 year-old girl with 3rd degree burns on her right leg with an advanced stage of infection.
“The burn was from the lower part of her knee all the way around down to her ankle,” Burgos added. “Her burn was caused when she accidentally turned over a cooking pot of boiling water on herself.
“Her leg was wrapped in just a cloth when I saw her, and when I saw that situation, I asked the girl’s father, through an interpreter, to hold her very tight,” continued Burgos. “The reason for that was because I needed to clean her and remove the dead skin and infection. I cleaned the leg with sterilized water and applied medication for pain as well as two different antibiotic ointments.
“I explained to the girls’ father that he needs to clean the leg several times daily. I provided him with enough supplies to do so and medications to keep further infections from happening until they can get to a medical facility in Baghdad.
“The father was so pleased that he gave me a hug and kiss,” said Burgos. “My reward was to see her beautiful smile.
“Providing the Iraqis with medical and essential supplies in remote and isolated places makes the Iraqis very pleased with the Coalition forces and makes them feel safe and better protected,” said Burgos. “We are here to help them in any way we can.”
Although this instance of humanitarian assistance was isolated, the Marines and sailors here have treated many other Iraqis with varying illnesses. These acts of kindness have made the locals trust the service members more and have literally opened doors for the Marines and sailors of Task Force Mech.
“I think giving the Iraqis medical care is paramount because giving them medical care helps them to welcome us into their homes right away,” said Seaman Travis N. Cowan, 22, a corpsman from San Diego with RCT-5 who accompanied Task Force Mech during a recent mission.
By Sgt. M. Trent Lowry, RCT-5
RAWAH, Iraq – Members of 3rd Squad, Provisional Rifle Platoon 3, Regimental Combat Team 5 recently completed an assignment maintaining security on the southernmost traffic control point near Rawah, Iraq.
The squad of Marines, most of whom are not infantry Marines by trade, tackled the most isolated part of PRP-3’s mission by covering the security overwatch for Traffic Control Point 4, perched high atop the south bank of the Euphrates River in western al-Anbar province, Iraq.
While TCP-4 is smaller than TCP-3, where other squads from the platoon secured the north bank and the urban areas of Rawah, the Marines with 3rd Squad were glad to be given the opportunity to shine in accomplishing their mission as a small unit.
“It went pretty well,” said Sgt. Rene Gonzalez, a field radioman and squad leader for 3rd Squad. “The TCP ran (smooth), and the Marines’ morale was high.”
“The Marines were excited going into the PRP assignment,” said Staff Sgt. Iva Jones, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of TCP-4 with PRP-3 and a wire chief with RCT-5. “They were pretty motivated to get off of Al Asad (Air Base) and get to an operational situation.”
The Marines took control of two TCPs from a platoon belonging to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment in October. The Marines with 3rd Squad fell right into their rotation of posts and patrols, and each man had to learn the various tasks that were incumbent to the post.
“Everybody had to know every post and how to work the (electronic surveillance equipment),” said Gonzalez, 26, from El Paso, Texas. “We would rotate so that the Marines wouldn’t get bored or complacent.”
The Marines also monitored the progress of the Iraqi Police at the checkpoint and noticed marked improvements, giving the Marines confidence that the policemen could handle the TCP duties on their own.
“At first they weren’t doing as well, but they learned what we expected, and they improved,” Gonzalez said. “They became more vigilant with securing the checkpoint and searching vehicles.”
Working independently from other Marine units enhanced the feeling of isolation in the Marines, but it also bolstered positive reactions.
“Working with other Marines besides (infantry), I was surprised I got along with them so well,” said Lance Cpl. Jody Walters, 26, an infantryman with PRP-3 from Indianapolis. “The camaraderie was there. We didn’t know each other at first, but in the end I got some good friends out of the experience.”
“We were a tight-knit little family,” Jones agreed. “As a stand-alone post, everybody had to work together, and we came together as a team.”
The common hardships they shared – limited supplies, no hot water showers, pest infestations – were overcome by typical Marine ingenuity.
“We were the epitome of the Marine Corps; we did the most with the least,” said Jones, 29, from Hardin, Texas. “The Marines had to improvise to build what wasn’t provided for us. We accomplished the mission effectively with the least amount of gear. Everybody did their job, which gave the Iraqi policemen the ability to build up their posts and take over the security of the TCPs.”
By Sgt. M. Trent Lowry, RCT-5
RAWAH, Iraq – Marines from Provisional Rifle Platoon 3, Regimental Combat Team 5 completed a two-month security mission at Traffic Control Points 3 and 4 here Dec. 9.
The PRP-3 Marines turned the control of the TCPs over to a platoon from 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.
“This was a great opportunity for the Marines, including myself,” said 2ndLt. Randall Blowers, 25, platoon commander for PRP-3 from Vernon, Conn. “Overall, I think the platoon did very well, and now 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines will do well.”
The Marines of PRP-3, most of whom are not infantry Marines, conducted more than 120 security patrols throughout Rawah, and they operated in overwatch for Iraqi Police monitoring traffic on the Rawah Bridge, which crosses the Euphrates River.
“I had fun going out on foot patrols through the city and seeing the children and meeting the people,” said Cpl. Travis Silhan, 20, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with PRP-3 from Houston. “It was interesting walking through the city and seeing the houses being built and seeing how the people act around us.”
Silhan was also a member of PRP-1, which mostly performed mounted patrols in the desert of western al Anbar province. Comparatively, the operations of PRP-3 were more geared toward dismounted patrols and area security, and Silhan and the other Marines said they appreciated getting outside the concrete walls of TCP-3.
“It was always a nice change of scenery, being in town,” said Lance Cpl. Robert Schur, 25, a switchboard operator with PRP-3 from Mission Viejo, Calif. “I was hoping to be involved with a lot of patrols and convoys, so I was excited when I got to be part of this PRP.”
The Marines were in over watch for the TCPs, which meant essentially that they were providing the security element for the Iraqi Police at the checkpoints so the policemen could concentrate on practicing their jobs.
“Transition is the mission,” Blowers said. “The intent from the beginning was to turn Iraq back over to the Iraqis, and PRP-3 was like a microcosm of our mission in Iraq. When we first got to the TCPs, we had to ‘hold (the policemen’s) hands’ a little bit at first, but they started to make a lot of progress.
“The Iraqis have a lot of challenges ahead, and most of the burden is now on their shoulders because they should be able to handle it,” Blowers added. “Some of the (Iraqi policemen) really earned my respect. The neighbors in the area commented that they trusted the IP a lot more after we arrived.”
The neighbors also trusted the PRP-3 Marines, as they welcomed the platoon members into their homes for meals and conversation.
“I was really excited about the opportunity to see how Iraqi people live,” said Schur, who was among the Marines who dined with Yasir Humady Khatlan on the eve of Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s important celebrations, the Feast of Sacrifice. “I was eager to taste their food – which was excellent – and to just be within their presence.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to invite you to my home,” Yasir said, through an interpreter, as he bade farewell to his neighbors from PRP-3. “I am proud to provide hospitality to the Marines, and I want people to know this is how Iraq is now. We make good connections and friendships with people from other countries.”
The Marines, especially those who hadn’t previously ventured “outside the wire” for an extended amount of time, learned a lot about Iraqis, about military operations in urban terrain and about themselves.
“I’m used to leading Marines from my own military occupational specialty,” said Sgt. Rene Gonzalez, 26, a squad leader with PRP-3 and a radio chief with RCT-5 from El Paso, Texas. “This was leading Marines from a lot of different backgrounds, and this was a different type of environment for me.”
“I learned a lot from the infantry Marines,” said Schur, who normally works with communications equipment. “I didn’t really know what to expect from the PRP mission, but I feel really lucky to be part of that experience. I’m thankful for it, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”
The PRP-3 leaders recognized and are grateful for the contributions of every member of the platoon.
“I could go through the roster and think of at least one outstanding thing each individual Marine did out there,” Blowers said. “I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to lead this platoon. The conduct of the Marines was exemplary. I couldn’t be more proud of everybody in the platoon.”
By Capt. Paul Greenberg, RCT-5
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Reserve Marines Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based at Camp Korean Village in western al-Anbar province traveled more than 120 miles to shoot their Javelin missile systems as part of a large-scale combined arms exercise near here Dec. 8.
Although the Javelin is one of the primary weapon systems for the detachment of nine Marines from Weapons Co. who came here for the range, it was the first time most of them had participated in an actual Javelin shoot.
Because of the cost of the missile, students at the Marine Corps School of Infantry fire simulated Javelin munitions on a computerized system. Many infantrymen will go through their entire career without every firing a real missile.
“It’s a unique opportunity because (the Marines are) young, new to the Corps, and this may be their only chance to shoot a live Javelin,” said Staff Sgt. Terrance James, 36, a platoon sergeant with Weapons Co. from Queens, N.Y. “The training here is very effective. They get to integrate with other elements, such as heavy machine guns and mortars.”
James, who works as a New York City corrections officer in his civilian career, knows the capabilities of this weapon in actual combat. He and other heavy weapons experts from 2nd Bn., 25th Marines used Javelins against Iraqi T-72 tanks and reinforced defensive positions when the battalion fought in Iraq in 2003 during the Global War on Terror.
The young Marines who shot the Javelin on Dec. 8, however, were still in high school when the Global War on Terror began.
“I’m really confident with this weapon system and excited about the opportunity to shoot,” said Lance Cpl. David Fuertes, 20, a turret gunner with Weapons Co. before the live fire. “I did well at SOI, and I’ve been brushing up on my knowledge.”
Fuertes’ vigilance paid off on the range. He scored a direct hit on a tank hull at about 800 meters, earning him accolades from his platoon sergeant and fellow Marines.
Back home in College Point, N.Y., Fuertes is simultaneously working as a police cadet while studying criminal justice and forensic psychology at St. Johns University. He expressed his enthusiasm for his first reserve mobilization and deployment.
“Getting away from the daily routine back home is great,” said Fuertes. “You don’t know what to expect here. It’s always something different, something exciting.”
Lance Cpl. Jed Bolyard, 22, from Boonville, Ark., also had the opportunity to fire the Javelin, slamming his missile down on the target’s vulnerable top surface at more than 1,000 meters.
“I feel blessed to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Bolyard, a squad automatic rifleman with Weapons Co. and a junior at Arkansas Technical Institute. “I didn’t expect to have training opportunities like this in Iraq: just counterinsurgency operations and business as usual.”
The Javelin shoot was one small part of a larger combined-arms exercise, which integrated traditional infantry elements with aviation, mortars and several anti-armor systems. Iraqis from the 27th Brigade, 7th Infantry Division also got the opportunity to watch the exercise.
“The primary focus is to sustain and reset our combined-arms skills and use that training to expose the Iraqi Army to this concept,” explained Warrant Officer 5 Stuart White, the Marine gunner with Multi-National Force-Iraq.
As the aircraft strafed the target area with missiles, bombs and machine gun fire, the Marines on the ground pounded the targets with their rifles, machine guns, mortar rounds and anti-tank munitions.
“This is a very good experience for us to see this coordination between mortars, observers and other units,” said Sgt. Maj. Safa Jassim through interpretation.
Jassim, 41, is the sergeant major for the brigade’s 2nd battalion and has been working hand-in-hand with Coalition forces since 2005.
“We have a lot of new experiences as professional soldiers, and this is good,” continued Jassim, who served 21 years in the Iraqi military prior to 2003 and three years in the new Iraqi Army. “We were not treated like professional soldiers before. We are free now to think and give our opinions and input. Coalition forces have sacrificed a lot to stand up for us. A lot of them have died to help us become a better nation with a professional army.”
Private First Class Louae Saleh Hamid, a rifleman with the 27th Brigade, was one of the youngest Iraqi soldiers on the range Dec. 8. A Baghdad native, Hamid joined the army in 2006 at the age of 17 to help support his family. His salary is the primary source of income for his parents, eight siblings and numerous nephews and nieces.
“This is a very good exercise,” said Hamid. “This is my first time seeing mortars, aircraft and other weapons working all together, and I’m very excited to learn.”
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